Combbretastatin a-4 as an anti-angiogenic agent

ABSTRACT

The application discloses methods of treating mammalian diseases characterized by abnormal cell mitosis by administering estradiol derivatives including those comprising colchicine or combretastatin A-4 structural motifs of the general formulae found below in a dosage sufficient to inhibit cell mitosis. The application discloses novel compounds used in the methods.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] This invention relates to treating disease states characterized by abnormal cell mitosis.

[0002] Cell mitosis is a multi-step process that includes cell division and replication (Alberts, B. et al. In The Cell, pp. 652-661 (1989); Stryer, E. Biochemistry (1988)). Mitosis is characterized by the intracellular movement and segregation of organelles, including mitotic spindles and chromosomes. Organelle movement and segregation are facilitated by the polymerization of the cell protein tubulin. Microtubules are formed from α and β tubulin polymerization and the hydrolysis of GTP. Microtubule formation is important for cell mitosis, cell locomotion, and the movement of highly specialized cell structures such as cilia and flagella.

[0003] Microtubules are extremely labile structures that are sensitive to a variety of chemically unrelated anti-mitotic drugs. For example, colchicine and nocadazole are anti-mitotic drugs that bind tubulin and inhibit tubulin polymerization (Stryer, E. Biochemistry (1988)). When used alone or in combination with other therapeutic drugs, colchicine may be used to treat cancer (WO-9303729-A, published Mar. 4, 1993; J03240726-A, published Oct. 28, 1991), alter neuromuscular function, change blood pressure, increase sensitivity to compounds affecting sympathetic neuron function, depress respiration, and relieve gout (Physician's Desk Reference, Vol. 47, p. 1487, (1993)).

[0004] Estradiol and estradiol metabolites such as 2-methoxyestradiol have been reported to inhibit cell division (Seegers, J. C. et al. J. Steroid Biochem. 32, 797-809 (1989); Lottering, M-L. et al. Cancer Res. 52, 5926-5923 (1992); Spicer, L. J. and Hammond, J. M. Mol. and Cell. Endo. 64, 119-126 (1989); Rao, P. N. and Engelberg, J. Exp. Cell Res. 48, 71-81 (1967)). However, the activity is variable and depends on a number of in vitro conditions. For example, estradiol inhibits cell division and tubulin polymerization in some in vitro settings (Spicer, L. J. and Hammond, J. M. Mol. and Cell. Endo. 64, 119-126 (1989); Ravindra, R., J. Indian Sci. 64(c) (1983)), but not in others (Lottering, M-L. et al. Cancer Res. 52, 5926-5923 (1992); Ravindra, R., J. Indian Sci. 64(c) (1983)). Estradiol metabolites such as 2-methoxyestradiol will inhibit cell division in selected in vitro settings depending on whether the cell culture additive phenol red is present and to what extent cells have been exposed to estrogen. (Seegers, J. C. et al. Joint NCI-IST Symposium. Biology and Therapy of Breast Cancer. Sep. 25-27, 1989, Genoa, Italy, Abstract A58).

[0005] Numerous diseases are characterized by abnormal cell mitosis. For example, uncontrolled cell mitosis is a hallmark of cancer. In addition, cell mitosis is important for the normal development of the embryo, formation of the corpus luteum, wound healing, inflammatory and immune responses, angiogenesis and angiogenesis related diseases.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] I have discovered that certain compounds within the scope of the general formulae set forth below in the claims are useful for treating mammalian diseases characterized by undesired cell mitosis. Without wishing to bind myself to any particular theory, such compounds generally inhibit microtuble formation and tubulin polymerization and/or depolymerization. Compounds within the general formulae having said inhibiting activity are preferred. Preferred compositions may also exhibit a change (increase or decrease) in estrogen receptor binding, improved absorbtion, transport (e.g. through blood-brain barrier and cellular membranes), biological stability, or decreased toxicity. I have also discovered certain compounds useful in the method, as described by the general formulae of the claims.

[0007] A mammalian disease characterized by undesirable cell mitosis, as defined herein, includes but is not limited to excessive or abnormal stimulation of endothelial cells (e.g., atherosclerosis), solid tumors and tumor metastasis, benign tumors, for example, hemangiomas, acoustic neuromas, neurofibromas, trachomas, and pyogenic granulomas, vascular malfunctions, abnormal wound healing, inflammatory and immune disorders, Bechet's disease, gout or gouty arthritis, abnormal angiogenesis accompanying: rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, diabetic retinopathy, and other ocular angiogenic diseases such as retinopathy of prematurity (retrolental fibroplasic), macular degeneration, corneal graft rejection, neovascular glaucoma and Osler Weber syndrome. Other undesired angiogenesis involves normal processes including ovulation and implantation of a blastula. Accordingly, the compositions described above can be used to block ovulation and implantation of a blastula or to block menstruation (induce amenorrhea).

[0008] The bond indicated by CC is absent or, in combination with the C———C bond is the unit HC═CH.

[0009] Other features and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following description of preferred embodiments thereof.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] The drawings are first described.

[0011]FIG. 1 is a graph illustrating the inhibition of tubulin polymerization by 2-methoxyestradiol described by Example 1 below.

[0012]FIG. 2 is a graph illustrating the inhibition of colchicine binding to tubulin by 2-methoxyestradiol described by Example 2 below.

[0013]FIG. 3 depicts: I. colchicine, 2-methoxyestradiol and combretastatin A-4, and II. various estradiol derivatives comprising colchicine (a-c) or combretastatin A-4 (d) structural motifs as described below.

COMPOUNDS ACCORDING TO THE INVENTION

[0014] As described below, compounds that are useful in accordance with the invention include novel estradiol derivatives that bind tubulin, inhibit microtubule formation or exhibit anti-mitotic properties. Specific compounds according to the invention are described below. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the invention extends to other compounds within the formulae given in the claims below, having the described characteristics. These characteristics can be determined for each test compound using the assays detailed below and elsewhere in the literature.

[0015] Without wishing to bind myself to specific mechanisms or theory, it appears that certain compounds that are known to inhibit microtubule formation, bind tubulin and exhibit anti-mitotic properties such as colchicine and combretastatin A-4 share certain structural similarities with estradiol. FIG. 3 illustrates the molecular formulae of estradiol, colchicine, combretastatin A-4, and improved estradiol derivatives that bind tubulin inhibit microtubule assembly and exhibit anti-mitotic properties. Molecular formulae are drawn and oriented to emphasize structural similarities between the ring structures of colchicine, combretastatin A-4, estradiol, and certain estradiol derivatives. Estradiol derivatives are made by incorporating colchicine or combretastatin A-4 structural motifs into the steroidal backbone of estradiol.

[0016]FIG. 3, part I, depicts the chemical formulae of colchicine, 2-methoxyestradiol and combretastatin A-4. FIG. 3, part II a-d, illustrates estradiol derivatives that comprise structural motifs found in colchicine or combretastatin A-4. For example, part II a-c shows estradiol derivatives with an A and/or B ring expanded from six to seven carbons as found in colchicine and part IId depicts an estradiol derivative with a partial B ring as found in combretastatin A-4. Each C ring of an estradiol derivative, including those shown in FIG. 3, may be fully saturated as found in 2-methoxyestradiol. R₁₋₆ represent a subset of the substitution groups found in the claims. Each R₁-R₆ can independently be defined as —R₁, OR₁, —OCOR₁₁—SR₁, —F, —NHR₂, —Br, —I, or —C≡CH.

[0017] Anti-mitotic Activity In Situ

[0018] Anti-mitotic activity is evaluated in situ by testing the ability of an improved estradiol derivative to inhibit the proliferation of new blood vessel cells (angiogenesis). A suitable assay is the chick embryo chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) assay described by Crum et al. Science 230:1375 (1985). See also, U.S. Pat. No. 5,001,116, hereby incorporated by reference, which describes the CAM assay. Briefly, fertilized chick embryos are removed from their shell on day 3 or 4, and a methylcellulose disc containing the drug is implanted on the chorioallantoic membrane. The embryos are examined 48 hours later and, if a clear avascular zone appears around the methylcellulose disc, the diameter of that zone is measured. Using this assay, a 100 mg disk of the estradiol derivative 2-methoxyestradiol was found to inhibit cell mitosis and the growth of new blood vessels after 48 hours. This result indicates that the anti-mitotic action of 2-methoxyestradiol can inhibit cell mitosis and angiogenesis.

[0019] Anti-Mitotic Activity In Vitro

[0020] Anti-mitotic activity can be evaluated by testing the ability of an estradiol derivative to inhibit tubulin polymerization and microtubule assembly in vitro. Microtubule assembly is followed in a Gilford recording spectrophotometer (model 250 or 2400S) equipped with electronic temperature controllers. A reaction mixture (all concentrations refer to a final reaction volume of 0.25 μl) contains 1.0M monosodium glutamate (ph 6.6), 1.omg/ml (10 μM) tubulin, 1.0 mM MgCl₂, 4% (v/v) dimethylsulfoxide and 20-75 μM of a composition to be tested. The 0.24 ml reaction mixtures are incubated for 15 min. at 37° C. and then chilled on ice. After addition of 10 μl 2.5 mM GTP, the reaction mixture is transferred to a cuvette at 0° C., and a baseline established. At time zero, the temperature controller of the spectrophotometer is set at 37° C. Microtubule assembly is evaluated by increased turbity at 350 nm. Alternatively, inhibition of microtubule assembly can be followed by transmission electron microscopy as described in Example 2 below.

[0021] Indications

[0022] The invention can be used to treat any disease characterized by abnormal cell mitosis. Such diseases include, but are not limited to: abnormal stimulation of endothelial cells (e.g., atherosclerosis), solid tumors and tumor metastasis, benign tumors, for example, hemangiomas, acoustic neuromas, neurofribomas, trachomas, and pyogenic granulomas, vascular malfunctions, abnormal wound healing, inflammatory and immune disorders, Bechet's disease, gout or gouty arthritis, abnormal angiogenesis accompanying: rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, diabetic retinopathy, and other ocular angiogenic diseases such as retinopathy of prematurity (retrolental fibroplasic), macular degeneration, corneal graft rejection, neuroscular glacoma and Oster Webber syndrome.

[0023] Improved Estradiol Derivative Synthesis

[0024] Known compounds that are used in accordance with the invention and precursors to novel compounds according to the invention can be purchased, e.g., from Sigma Chemical Co., St. Louis, Steroloids and Research Plus. Other compounds according to the invention can be synthesized according to known methods from publicly available precursors.

[0025] The chemical synthesis of estradiol has been described (Eder, V. et al., Ber 109, 2948 (1976); Oppolzer, D. A. and Roberts, D A. Helv. Chim. Acta. 63, 1703, (1980)). Synthetic methods for making seven-membered rings in multi-cyclic compounds are known (Nakamuru, T. et al. Chem. Pharm. Bull. 10, 281 (1962); Sunagawa, G. et al. Chem. Pharm. Bull. 9, 81 (1961); Van Tamelen, E. E. et al. Tetrahedran 14, 8-34 (1961); Evans, D. E. et al. JACS 103, 5813 (1981)). Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the chemical synthesis of estradiol can be modified to include 7-membered rings by making appropriate changes to the starting materials, so that ring closure yields seven-membered rings. Estradiol or estradiol derivatives can be modified to include appropriate chemical side groups according to the invention by known chemical methods (The Merck Index, 11th Ed., Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, N.J. USA (1989), pp. 583-584).

[0026] Administration

[0027] The compositions described above can be provided as physiologically acceptable formulations using known techniques, and these formulations can be administered by standard routes. In general, the combinations may be administered by the topical, oral, rectal or parenteral (e.g., intravenous, subcutaneous or intramuscular) route. In addition, the combinations may be incorporated into biodegradable polymers allowing for sustained release, the polymers being implanted in the vicinity of where delivery is desired, for example, at the site of a tumor. The biodegradable polymers and their use are described in detail in Brem et al., J. Neurosurg. 74:441-446 (1991). The dosage of the composition will depend on the condition being treated, the particular derivative used, and other clinical factors such as weight and condition of the patient and the route of administration of the compound. However, for oral administration to humans, a dosage of 0.01 to 100 mg/kg/day, preferably 0.01-1 mg/kg/day, is generally sufficient.

[0028] The formulations include those suitable for oral, rectal, nasal, topical (including buccal and sublingual), vaginal or parenteral (including subcutaneous, intramuscular, intravenous, intradermal, intraocular, intratracheal, and epidural) administration. The formulations may conveniently be presented in unit dosage form and may be prepared by conventional pharmaceutical techniques. Such techniques include the step of bringing into association the active ingredient and the pharmaceutical carrier(s) or excipient(s). In general, the formulations are prepared by uniformly and intimately bringing into associate the active ingredient with liquid carriers or finely divided solid carriers or both, and then, if necessary, shaping the product.

[0029] Formulations of the present invention suitable for oral administration may be presented as discrete units such as capsules, cachets or tablets each containing a predetermined amount of the active ingredient; as a powder or granules; as a solution or a suspension in an aqueous liquid or a non-aqueous liquid; or as an oil-in-water liquid emulsion or a water-in-oil emulsion and as a bolus, etc.

[0030] A tablet may be made by compression or molding, optionally with one or more accessory ingredients. Compressed tablets may be prepared by compressing, in a suitable machine, the active ingredient in a free-flowing form such as a powder or granules, optionally mixed with a binder, lubricant, inert diluent, preservative, surface-active or dispersing agent. Molded tables may be made by molding, in a suitable machine, a mixture of the powdered compound moistened with an inert liquid diluent. The tablets may optionally coated or scored and may be formulated so as to provide a slow or controlled release of the active ingredient therein.

[0031] Formulations suitable for topical administration in the mouth include lozenges comprising the ingredients in a flavored basis, usually sucrose and acacia or tragacanth; pastilles comprising the active ingredient in an inert basis such as gelatin and glycerin, or sucrose and acacia; and mouthwashes comprising the ingredient to be administered in a suitable liquid carrier.

[0032] Formulations suitable for topical administration to the skin may be presented as ointments, creams, gels and pastes comprising the ingredient to be administered in a pharmaceutical acceptable carrier. A preferred topical delivery system is a transdermal patch containing the ingredient to be administered.

[0033] Formulations for rectal administration may be presented as a suppository with a suitable base comprising, for example, cocoa butter or a salicylate.

[0034] Formulations suitable for nasal administration, wherein the carrier is a solid, include a coarse powder having a particle size, for example, in the range of 20 to 500 microns which is administered in the manner in which snuff is taken, i.e., by rapid inhalation through the nasal passage from a container of the powder held close up to the nose. Suitable formulations, wherein the carrier is a liquid, for administration, as for example, a nasal spray or as nasal drops, include aqueous or oily solutions of the active ingredient.

[0035] Formulations suitable for vaginal administration may be presented as pessaries, tampons, creams, gels, pastes, foams or spray formulations containing in addition to the active ingredient such as carriers as are known in the art to be appropriate.

[0036] Formulations suitable for parenteral administration include aqueous and non-aqueous sterile injection solutions which may contain anti-oxidants, buffers, bacteriostats and solutes which render the formulation isotonic with the blood of the intended recipient; and aqueous and non-aqueous sterile suspensions which may include suspending agents and thickening agents. The formulations may be presented in unit-dose or multi-dose containers, for example, sealed ampules and vials, and may be stored in a freeze-dried (lyophilized) conditions requiring only the addition of the sterile liquid carrier, for example, water for injections, immediately prior to use. Extemporaneous injection solutions and suspensions may be prepared from sterile powders, granules and tables of the kind previously described.

[0037] Preferred unit dosage formulations are those containing a daily dose or unit, daily sub-dose, as herein above recited, or an appropriate fraction thereof, of the administered ingredient.

[0038] It should be understood that in addition to the ingredients, particularly mentioned above, the formulations of this invention may include other agents convention in the art having regard to the type of formulation in question, for example, those suitable for oral administration may include flavoring agents.

Experimental Data EXAMPLE 1

[0039]FIG. 1 illustrates the inhibition of tubulin polymerization by 2-methoxyestradiol.

[0040] A. Each reaction mixture (all concentrations refer to the final reaction volume of 0.25 ml) contained 1.0 M monosodium glutamate (pH 6.6), 1.0 mg/ml (10 μM) tubulin, 1.0 mM MgCl₂, 4% (v/v) dimethylsulfoxide, and either 0 (curve 1), 20 μM (curve 2), 40 μM (curve 3), or 75 μM (curve 4) 2-methoxyestradiol. The 0.24 ml reaction mixtures were incubated for 15 min. at 37° C. and chilled on ice. After addition of 10 μl of 2.5 mM GTP the reaction mixtures were transferred to cuvettes held at 0° C., and baselines were established. At time zero the temperature controller was set at 37° C. At the times indicated by the vertical dashed lines the temperature controller was set at the indicated temperatures.

[0041] B. Each reaction mixture contained 0.8 M monosodium glutamate (pH 6.6), 1.2 mg/ml (12 μM) tubulin, 4% (v/v) dimethylsulfoxide, and either 0 (curve 1), 1.0 μM (curve 2), 2.0 μM (curve 3), 3.0 μM (curve 4), or 4.0 μM (curve 5) 2-methoxyestradiol. The 0.24 ml reaction mixtures were incubated for 15 min. at 26° C. and chilled on ice. After addition of 10 μl of 10 mM GTP the reaction mixtures were transferred to cuvettes held at 0° C., and baselines were established. At time zero the temperature controller was set at 26° C. At the time indicated by vertical dashed line the temperature controller was set at 0° C.

EXAMPLE 2

[0042] Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) can show differences between the morphology of polymerized tubulin formed in the absence or presence of 2-methoxyestradiol. After a 30 min. incubation (37° C.) of reaction mixtures containing the components described in Example 1, 75 μM 2-methoxyestradiol was added, and aliquots were placed on 200-mesh carbon coated copper grids and stained with 0.5% (w/v) uranyl acetate. TEM magnifications from 23,100× to 115,400× were used to visualize differences in tubulin morphology.

EXAMPLE 3

[0043]FIG. 2 illustrates that 2-methoxyestradiol inhibits colchicine binding to tubulin. Reaction conditions were as described in the text, with each reaction mixture containing 1.0 μM tubulin, 5% (v/v) dimethyl sulfoxide, 5 μM [³H]colchicine, and inhibitor at the indicated concentrations. Incubation was for 10 min. at 37° C. Symbols as follows: ◯, 2-methoxyestradiol; •, combretastatin A-4; Δ, dihydrocombretastatin A-4. Combretastatin A-4 and dihydrocombretastatin A-4 are compounds with anti-mitotic activity similar to colchicine.

EXAMPLE 4

[0044] Table 1 illustrates the inhibitory effects on tubulin polymerization in vitro exhibited by estradiol or estradiol derivatives, plant anti-mitotic compounds such as colchicine, combretastatin A-4 or other plant compounds The method is given in Example 1.

EXAMPLE 5

[0045] Table 2 lists estrogens, estradiol or estradiol derivatives that inhibit colchicine binding to tubulin, by the method given in Example 3. TABLE 1 1C₅₀ ESTROGENIC COMPOUND (μM + S.D.) 2-Methoxyestradiol 1.9 ± 0.2 Diethyistilbestrol 2.4 ± 0.4 2-Bromoestradiol 4.5 ± 0.6 2 -Methoxyestrone 8.8 ± 1   17-Ethynylestradiol 10.0 ± 2   2 -Fluoroestradiol 27.0 ± 6   Estradiol 30.0 ± 6   Estrone >40 2-Methoxy-17-ethynylestradiol >40 Estriol >40 2-Methoxyestriol >40 Estradiol-3-0-methyl ether >40 2-Methoxyestradiol-3-0-methyl >40 ether 4-Methoxyestradiol >40 4-Methoxyestradiol-3-0-methyl >40 ether IC₅₀ Plant Products (μM + S.D.) Colchicine 0.80 ± 0.07 Podophyllotoxin 0.46 ± 0.02 Combretastatin A-4 0.53 ± 0.05 Dihydrocombretastatin A-4 0.63 ± 0.03

[0046] IC₅₀ values are defined as the concentration of an estradiol derivative required to inhibit tubulin polymerization by 50%. IC₅₀ values were obtained in at least two independent experiments for non-inhibitory agents (IC₅₀>40 μM) and at least three independent experiments for inhibitory compounds. IC₅₀ values were obtained graphically, and average values are presented. S.D., standard deviation. Percentage ESTROGENIC COMPOUND Inhibition 2-Methoxyestradiol 82 ± 2 2-Methoxyestrone 57 ± 6 17-Ethynylestradiol 50 ± 7 Estradiol 38 ± 4 Diethylstilbestrol 30 ± 4

[0047] Reaction conditions were described in Example 3, with each reaction mixture containing 1.0 μM tubulin, 5% (v/v) dimethyl sulfoxide, 2 μM [³H]colchicine, and 100 μM inhibitor. Incubation was for 10 min. at 37° C. Average values obtained in three independent experiments are presented in the table, except for 2-methoxyestrone, which was only examined twice. S.D., standard deviation. 

1. A method for treating a mammalian disease characterized by abnormal cell mitosis, said method comprising administering to a mammal a cell-mitosis-inhibiting compound of the formula below, said compound being administered in an amount sufficient to inhibit cell mitosis:

wherein: I. R_(a)—R_(o) are defined as follows: A) each R_(a), R_(b), R_(c), R_(d), R_(e), R_(f), R_(i), R_(j), R_(k), R_(L), R_(m), R_(o), independently is —R₁, —OR₁, —OCOR₁, —SR₁, —F, —NHR₂, —Br, or —I; and R_(g) is —R₁, —OR₁, —OCOR₁, —SR₁, —F, —NHR₂, —Br, —I, or —C≡CH; or B) each R_(a), R_(b), R_(c), R_(f), R_(k), R_(L), R_(o), independently is —R₁, —OR₁, —OCOR₁, —SR₁, —F, —NHR₂, —Br, or —I; and each R_(d), R_(e), R_(i), R_(j), R_(m), independently is ═O, —R₁, —OR₁, —OCOR₁, —SR₁, —F, —NHR₂, —Br or —I; and R_(g) is ═O, —R₁, —OR₁, —OCOR₁, —SR₁, —F, —NHR₂, —Br, —I, or —C≡CH and II. Z′ is defined as follows:

 and X′ is X, as defined above; or X′ is >C═O; and III. Z″ is defined as follows:

and IV. provided that when each R_(b), R_(c), R_(d), R_(e), R_(i), R_(j), R_(k), R_(L), R_(m) and R_(o) is H; R_(f) is —CH₃; Rg is —OH; Z′ is >COH; and Z″ is >CH₂; then R_(a) is not —H; where, in each formula set forth above, each R₁ and R₂ independently is —H, or a substituted or unsubstituted alkyl, alkenyl or alkenyl group of up to 6 carbons.
 2. A method for treating a mammalian disease characterized by undesirable cell mitosis, said method comprising administering to a mammal a cell-mitosis-inhibiting compound of the formula below, said compound being administered in an amount sufficient to inhibit cell mitosis:

I. R_(a)—R_(k) are defined as follows: A) each R_(a), R_(b), R_(c), R_(d), R_(g), R_(h), R_(i), R_(k) independently is —R₁, —OR₁, —OCOR₁, —SR₁, —F, —NH₂, —Br, or —I; and R_(e) is —R₁, —OR₁, —OCOR₁, —SR₁, —F, —NH₂, —Br, —I or —C≡CH; or B) each R_(a), R_(b), R_(c), R_(d), R_(k), independently is —R₁, —OR₁, OCOR₁, —SR₁, —F, —NHR₂, —Br, or —I; and each Re_(g), R_(h), R_(i), independently is ═O, —R₁, —OR₁, —OCOR₁, —SR₁, —F, —Br, or —I; and R_(e) is ═O, —R₁, —OR₁, —OCOR₁, —SR₁, —F, —Br, —I or —C≡CH; and II. Z′ is defined as follows:

 where, in each formula set forth above, each R₁ and R₂ independently is —H, or substituted or unsubstituted alkyl, alkenyl or alkenyl group of 1-6 carbons.
 3. A method for treating a mammalian disease characterized by abnormal cell mitosis, said method comprising administering to a mammal a cell-mitosis-inhibiting compound of the formula below, said compound being administered in an amount sufficient to inhibit cell mitosis:

wherein: I. R_(a)—R_(o) are defined as follows: A) each R_(a), R_(b), R_(c), R_(d), R_(e), R_(f), R_(i), R_(j), R_(k), R_(L), R_(m), R_(o), independently is —R₁, —OR₁, —OCOR₁, —SR₁, —F, —NHR₂, —Br, or —I; and R_(g) is —R₁, —OR₁, —OCOR₁, —SR₁, —F, —NHR₂, —Br, —I, or —C≡CH; or B) each R_(a), R_(b), R_(c), R_(f), R_(k), R_(L), independently is —R₁, —OR₁, —OCOR₁, —SR₁, —F, —NHR₂, —Br, or —I; and each R_(d), R_(e), R_(i), R_(j), R_(m), R_(o) independently is ═O, —R₁, —OR₁, —OCOR₁, —SR₁, —F, NHR₂, —Br or —I; and R_(g) is ═O, —R₁, —OR₁, —OCOR₁, —SR₁, —F, —NHR₂, —Br, —I, or —C═CH II. Z is defined as follows:

 is —R₁, OR₁, —SR₁, —F, —NHR₂, —Br or —I; where, in each formula set forth above, each R₁ and R₂ independently is —H, or substituted or unsubstituted alkyl, alkenyl or alkenyl group of 1-6 carbons.
 4. A method for treating a mammalian disease characterized by abnormal cell mitosis, said method comprising administering to a mammal a cell-mitosis-inhibiting compound of the formula below, said compound being administered in an amount sufficient to inhibit cell mitosis:

wherein: I. R_(a)—R_(k) are defined as follows: A) each R_(a), R_(b), R_(c), R_(d), R_(g), R_(h), R_(i), R_(k) independently is —R₁, —OR₁, —OCOR₁, —SR₁, —F, —NHR₁, —Br, or —I; and R_(e) is —R₁, —OR₁, —OCOR₁, —SR₁, —F, —NHR₁, —Br, —I or —C≡CH; or B) each R_(a), R_(b), R_(c), R_(d), independently is —R₁, —OR₁, —OCOR₁, —SR₁, —F, —NHR₁, —Br, or —I; and each R_(g), R_(h), R_(i), R_(k) independently is ═O, —R₁, OR₁, —OCOR₁, —SR₁, —F, —NHR₁, —Br or —I; and R_(e) is ═O, —R₁, —OR₁, —OCOR₁, —SR₁, —F, —NHR₁, —Br, —I or —C≡CH; II. Z is defined as follows:

 where, in each formula set forth above, each R₁ and R₂ independently is —H, or substituted or unsubstituted alkyl, alkenyl or alkenyl group of 1-6 carbons.
 5. A method for treating a mammalian disease characterized by abnormal cell mitosis, said method comprising administering to a mammal a cell-mitosis-inhibiting compound of the formula below, said compound being administered in an amount sufficient to inhibit cell mitosis:

wherein: I. R_(a)—R_(o) are defined as follows: A) each R_(a), R_(b), R_(c), R_(d), R_(e), R_(f), R_(g), R_(h), R_(j), R_(k), R_(L), R_(m), R_(n), R_(o) independently is —R₁, —OR₁, —OCOR₁, —SR₁, —F, —NHR₂, —Br, or —I; and R_(i) is —R₁, —OR₁, —OCOR₁, —SR₁, —F, —NHR₂, —Br, —I or —C≡CH; or B) each R_(a), R_(d), R_(f), R_(j), R_(m), R_(n), R_(o) independently is —R₁, —OR₁, —OCR₁, —SR₁, —F, —NHR₂, —Br, or —I; and each R_(b), R_(c), R_(e), R_(g), R_(h), R_(k), R_(L) independently is ═O, —R₁, —OR₁, —OCOR₁, —SR₁, —F, —NHR₁, —Br or —I; and R_(i) is ═O, —R₁, —OR₁, —OCOR₁, —SR₁, —F, —Br, —I or —C≡CH; C) each R_(a), R_(b), R_(c), R_(d), R_(f), R_(j), R_(m), R_(n), R_(o) independently is —R₁, —OR₁, —OCR₁, —SR₁, —F, —NHR₂, —Br, —I; and each R_(e), R_(g), R_(h), R_(k), R_(L), R_(k), independently is ═O, —R₁, —OR₁, —OCOR₁, —SR₁, —F, —NHR₁, —Br or —I; and R_(i) is ═O, —R₁, —OR₁, —OCOR₁, —SR₁, —F, —Br, —I or —C≡CH; II. Z is defined as follows:

 is —R₁, —OR₁, —SR₁, —F, —NHR₂, —Br or —I; and X′ is X, as defined above; or X′ is >C═O; where, in each formula set forth above, each R₁ and R₂ independently is —H, or substituted or unsubstituted alkyl, alkenyl or alkenyl group of 1-6 carbons; and the bond indicated by CC is absent or, in combination with the C—C bond, is the unit HC═CH.
 6. A method for treating a mammalian disease characterized by abnormal cell mitosis, said method comprising administering to a mammal a cell-mitosis-inhibiting compound of the formula below, said compound being administered in an amount sufficient to inhibit cell mitosis:

wherein: I. R_(a)—R_(o) are defined as follows: A) each R_(a), R_(b), R_(c), R_(e), R_(g), R_(h), R_(k), R_(L), R_(m), R_(n), R_(o) independently is —R₁, —OR₁, —OCOR₁, —SR₁, —F, —NHR₂, —Br, or —I; and R_(i) is —R₁, —OR₁, —OCOR₁, —SR₁, —F, —NHR₂, —Br, —I or —C≡CH; or B) each R_(a), R_(e), R_(L), R_(m), R_(n), R_(o) independently is —R₁, —OR₁, —OCOR₁, —SR₁, —F, —NHR₂, —Br, —I; and each R_(b), R_(c), R_(g), R_(h) is ═O, —R₁, —OR₁, —OCOR₁, —SR₁, —F, —NHR₁, —Br or —I; and R_(i) is ═O, —R₁, —OR₁, —OCOR₁, —SR₁, —F, —NHR₁, —Br, —I or —C≡CH; or C) each R_(a), R_(b), R_(c), R_(e), R_(k), R_(m), R_(n), R_(o) independently is —R₁, —OR₁, —OCOR₁, —SR₁, —F, —NHR₂, —Br, —I, and each R_(h), R_(i) independently is ═O, —R₁, —OR₁, —OCOR₁, —SR₁, —F, —NHR₁, —Br or —I; and R_(i) is ═O, —R₁, —OR₁, —OCOR₁, —SR₁, —F, —NHR₁, —Br, —I or —C≡CH; and II. Z is defined as follows:

 is —R₁, —OR₁, —SR₁, —F, —NHR₂, —Br or —I, and X′ is X, as defined above; or X′ is ═O; where, in each formula set forth above, each R₁ and R₂ independently is —H, or substituted or unsubstituted alkyl, alkenyl or alkenyl group of 1-6 carbons; and the bond indicated by CC is absent or, in combination with the C—C bond is the unit HC═CH.
 7. A compound of the general formula below, said compound being a cell-mitosis-inhibiting compound:

wherein: I. R_(a)—R_(o) are defined as follows: A) each R_(a), R_(b), R_(c), R_(d), R_(e), R_(f), R_(i), R_(j), R_(k), R_(L), R_(m), R_(o), independently is —R₁, —OR₁, —OCOR₁, —SR₁, —F, —NHR₂, —Br, or —I; and R_(g) is —R₁, —OR₁, —OCOR₁, —SR₁, —F, —NHR₂, —Br, —I, or —C≡CH; or B) each R_(a), R_(b), R_(c), R_(f), R_(k), R_(L), R_(o), independently is —R₁, —OR₁, —OCOR₁, —SR₁, —F, —NHR₂, —Br, or —I; and each R_(d), R_(e), R_(i), R_(j), R_(m), independently is ═O, —R₁, —OR₁, —OCOR₁, —SR₁, —F, NHR₂, —Br or —I; and R_(g) is ═O, —R₁, —OR₁, —OCOR₁, —SR₁, —F, —NHR₂, —Br, —I, or —C≡CH and II. Z′ is defined as follows:

 where R_(n) is —R₁, —OR₁, —SR₁, —F, —NHR₂, —Br or —I; or X′ is X, as defined above; or X′ is >C═O; III. Z″ is defined as follows:

 when: 3) each R_(b), R_(c), R_(d), R_(e), R_(j), R_(k), R_(L), R_(m) is —H; R_(f) is —CH₃; R_(g) is —OH;

R_(i) is —H, —OH, or ═O; R_(o) is —H or —Br; Z′ is >COH; and Z″ is >CH₂ or —OH; then then R_(a) is not —F, —Br, —OH or —H; and 4) each R_(b), R_(c), R_(d), R_(e), R_(i), R_(j), R_(k), R_(L), R_(m) is —H; R_(f) is —CH₃; R_(g) is —OH; and Z″ is >CH₂; then Z′ is not >COCH₃ or

 and each R_(a), R_(o) independently or together are not —OCH₃ or —H; and 5) each R_(c), R_(e), R_(j), R_(k), R_(L), R_(m), R_(o) is —H; R_(a) is —H or —OCH₃ R_(b) is —H or —CH₃; R_(d) is —OH R_(f) is —CH₃ R_(g) is ═O; R_(i) is —OH, ═O or —C≡CH; and Z″ is >CH₂; then Z′ is not >COH;

 or —H; where, in each formula set forth above, each R₁ and R₂ independently is —H, or substituted or unsubstituted alkyl, alkenyl or alkenyl group of 1-6 carbons.
 8. A compound of the general formula below, said compound being a cell-mitosis-inhibiting compound:

wherein: I. R_(a)—R_(k) are defined as follows: A) each R_(a), R_(b), R_(c), R_(d), R_(g), R_(h), R_(i), R_(k) independently is —R₁, —OR₁, —OCOR₁, —SR₁, —F, —NHR₂, —Br, or —I; and R_(e) is —R₁, —OR₁, —OCOR₁, —SR₁, —F, —NHR₂, —Br, —I or —C≡CH; or B) each R_(a), R_(b), R_(c), R_(d), R_(k), is —R₁, —OR₁, OCOR₁, —SR₁, —F, —NHR₂, —Br, or —I; and each R_(g), R_(h), R_(i), independently is ═O, —R₁, —OR₁, —OCOR₁, —SR₁, —F, —Br, or —I; and R_(e) is ═O, —R₁, —OR₁, —OCOR₁, —SR₁, —F, —Br, —I or —C≡CH; and I. Z′ is defined as follows:

 is —R₁, —OR₁, —SR₁, —F, —NHR₂, —Br, or —I, and X′ is X, as defined above; or X′ is also >C═O; and II. Z″ is defined as follows: 